Sioux City, IA – Students and faculty in Morningside College’s Regina Roth Agricultural and Food Studies program were recognized at the Alpha Tau Alpha National Conclave held during the 92^nd National Future Farmers of America (FFA) Convention and Exposition on October 30 – November 2 in Indianapolis, Ind.

Coltin Schachtner-Kramer, a junior agricultural and food studies major originally from Fonda, Iowa, received the coveted American FFA degree. The highest degree achievable in the National FFA, less than one percent of the over 700,000 FFA members qualify for this degree. An American FFA degree demonstrates the effort an FFA member applies towards their supervised agricultural experience in addition to their leadership abilities and community involvement. 

Tom Paulsen, associate professor of applied agriculture and food studies, received Outstanding Research Poster for the work he presented at the National Agricultural Mechanics Professional Development Blue Ribbon Research Conference held during the National FFA Convention and Exposition. The study identified the in-service training needs of Iowa agricultural education instructors related to integrating Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) into agricultural education curriculum. Teachers identified five major areas of greatest interest for training which included supplemental data collection, flight operations skills development, UAV maintenance skills development, securing an FAA pilot’s license, and grant writing assistance for funding UAVs in the agricultural education classroom. 

Additional accomplishments by the program include student participation in competitions at the event, including Krista Zavadil in the essay competition; Cole Moes, Lindsay Flammang, Krista Zavadil, and Jacob Holck in the quiz bowl; and Roger Freese and Megan Drey in the Program of Excellence. Freese received first place in the fellowship division and Drey earned first place in the community service division.

The National FFA Organization is a youth organization that prepares members for leadership, growth, and career success through agricultural education. FFA helps develop members’ potential and discover talents through hands-on learning and real-world experiences. 

The Morningside College Regina Roth Agricultural and Food Studies program explores the agriculture industry and prepares students for careers in agricultural and food studies, agriculture education, agribusiness, environmental policy and law, agronomy, and food safety. Learn more about agriculture studies and other program offerings at www.morningside.edu/academics/undergraduate.